Why your marketing strategy matters

In the constant quest to keep things running somewhat smoothly, business owners tend to neglect marketing. This is a critical mistake to make – because marketing is essentially what will grow your business in the long run. Donna Rachelson, Chief Catalyst Seed Academy, who will be speaking at the upcoming SA Business Excellence Forum, says that the biggest mistake small businesses owners make is that they focus on marketing tactics before thinking about strategy.
“The problem here is that money is often wasted if you do not carefully think through the strategy,” she says. “Most importantly – who is your ideal customer? Unless you have a crystal clear picture of your ideal customer, your marketing efforts will not be focused.”
In her view, if you simply think of marketing as the ‘4p’s’ you will not succeed in this economy.
“The definition has changed – how do you get prospects who have a need for your offering to know and trust you – and then buy you and become your greatest brand ambassadors?”
Leveraging Digital
Without doubt, digital will need to be a core part of any successful marketing strategy today….
“The starting point is a website that is impactful, represents your brand and what you stand for – and is effective in terms of what you need to achieve in terms of its objectives,” she says. “Everything else in the online realm needs to link to this.”
She also points out that marketing does not stop when you get a customer.
“You need to carry on marketing to customers. Many businesses do not factor this into their marketing,” says Rachelson.
Also, she points out that marketing costs do not have to be sky high to be good.
“As long as you have a clear picture of who your customer is that you are targeting and a compelling differentiator, together with creativity around your message and your channels…”
To learn more about maximizing your marketing and to hear other industry experts present on the various aspects of running a successful business, book your ticket to attend the Business Excellence Forum & Awards in November 2015. Visit www.thebusinessexcellenceforums.com for more information or call 012 665 1015.